Shoo Shoo

Nolita

The first spring day in NYC... ahhh... birds are chirping, the air is a fresh 75 degrees—what bliss. And If you're mentally prepared to run into everyone living in the tristate area, the only option is to get outside.

So that's what I did. After running into my brother's ex and a work colleague, I decided to hide in Nolita, where the hungover children don't roam, and I was able to head straight to brunch.

We chose Shoo Shoo, an Israeli-Mediterranean spot. They’re open from lunch to dinner and offer some spectacular food. We sat at their outdoor corner seat, perfectly situated in the shade, looking right at the four-way cross of Mott and Broome streets—ideal for some spectacular people-watching. Still hungover from Friday, I stuck to coffee, but the cocktails looked light enough for a Sunday brunch (meaning you can have two and not be tempted into a full-on Sunday Funday).

I've developed this new thing where I'm allergic to chickpeas, but I still love Mediterranean food. So, sadly, we didn't get the hummus. But if you're not an allergy kid like me, it looked like a must-order. However, my personal necessities for a perfect brunch here would be the Shoo Shoo Schnitzel and the breakfast platter.

The Schnitzel is pounded flat, like your grandma's chicken cutlets flat. You basically rip it apart with your fingers, dip it into one of their delicious vinegar sauces, and enjoy your plate of fried yumminess. The breakfast comes with two eggs (I would get them soft-boiled), served with lox and other little sides, and a “Turkish bagel,” aka a simit.

The vibes at this place are good enough to bring you back to life after a 2-day bender, and the food seems like it comes from non-GMO infused products to cure one's stomach. This is becoming a new regular Sunday summer spot for me, so my only recommendation is for it to become one for you too.

Principe

Soho

Everyone needs a go-to spot to take their parents when they're in town – somewhere you can show them a good time and let them pick up the tab. Now, my parents are rather fancy, to put it mildly. They're more than willing to drop $500 on a fabulous dinner for four without batting an eye. Secondly, they appreciate clean, delicious food – the kind where they can enjoy a salad, pasta, and a piece of fish. That's why Principe is the perfect spot to bring them.

Principe opened about a year ago, so it's relatively new, and it garnered significant hype at the start. The chef, Abram Bissell, boasts two Michelin stars and has been a fixture in the NYC restaurant scene for quite some time. He previously worked at The Nomad and The Modern, both outstanding establishments, before embarking on his latest venture at Principe, a seafood-forward restaurant in Soho.

But enough about the chef – let's talk about his food.

The menu is extensive and best enjoyed shared. The top two must-try items are the Basil Tortellini and the Crispy Chicken. The tortellini, bathed in a brown butter sauce at the table, is easily one of the top five bites of 2024 thus far. The crispy chicken is a double-fried, flattened cutlet that manages to be both light and supremely delicious.

However, that's not to say the other items aren't noteworthy. The oysters are incredible, as is the gnocchi. I recommend sampling a bit of everything – raw fish, pastas, chicken, and cooked fish – to truly savor the experience.

The Margaritas are fabulous, and the sommeliers truly know their stuff. It's a fancy establishment, slightly over the top, but you can still get away with wearing jeans – classic NYC.

And let's not forget about the vibe. The space is open, with the entire restaurant visible as soon as you enter the dining room, complete with a full bar at the entrance. The ambiance is dark, but the lighting is sufficient to see everything clearly. When I visited, they were playing fun 2000s music, and the staff, for the most part, were pleasant (though the hostess left a bad taste in my mouth). The average age seemed to be around 30, with most looking like they earned well above the basic six-figure salary that's become customary in NYC (this is an insane comment but yes, people here are just F*** rich).

I genuinely adore this spot – it offers delicious food, a hefty bill, and great vibes. Bring your parents along; you won't have to worry about the table next to you dropping F-bombs, and the wine list is extensive.

Taqueria Ramirez

Greenpoint

I like being able to claim that I visited this "authentic spot in Brooklyn". It sounds so niche, doesn't it? But let's face it, nobody is heading to this spot just because I said it's good; they're going because any place on the NYT top 100 list is worth trying.

Taqueria Ramirez is nestled at the corner of Franklin and Oak Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It’s a cozy setup with bar seating, a standing area, or you can snag a seat outside. The menu is minimalist—just six items scribbled on the wall—and your beverage choices are Topo Chico, Mexican Coke, or a Chinampa. The options might be limited, but they’re all spot-on.

You select your meat from various options (pastor is my favorite), and they serve it to you on a corn tortilla with a slab of freshly cooked meat in the center, all on a plastic Target red plate.

There's a sauce bar with mild and spicy salsa, limes, cilantro, and raw onion. I always opt for all the toppings, but I'm pretty sure it would be just as good without any sauce.

The meat is incredibly "authentic" (you like that), but let's be real, it's super flavorful, bursting with Mexican spices, and perfectly cooked.

You know one of those places you wish you could go for the first time again, well this would be my one. It's an impressive little taco spot. I highly recommend visiting on a sunny day, grabbing 2-3 tacos, and finding a sunny spot outside to savor these small, yet rich and satisfying bites of Mexico City.

Mariscos El Submarino

Jackson Heights

My coworker, a native of Brooklyn, born and raised, has spent his entire life In New York City (basically apparently he was like in Russia for a second). He attended NYU, has friends residing in Queens, and currently resides in Greenpoint. Given his extensive knowledge of "the city," he's probably the only one who can suggest, "Let’s go get raw fish in Queens," and I would agree. Plus, this place is on the top 100 NYT list; I wasn't too concerned about the possibility of food poisoning.

Okay, I'm babbling, let's just move onto the review.

Mariscos El Submarino is located approximately 100 ft. from the 90th street subway station on the 7 line in Jackson Heights, along the Mexican strip. The spot is not exactly upscale, but it's definitely cleaner than its neighboring establishments. The interior resembles a poorly decorated pediatrician’s office, and the bathroom emits a strong smell of chemicals. However, the food is outstanding.

You absolutely have to start with the Aguachile Negro. It's a mixed ceviche of shrimp, octopus, and white fish, marinated in lime and various spices that I couldn’t name. It's topped with peeled cucumbers and avocado. It's honestly the best ceviche I've ever had; everything just melts in your mouth, including the octopus, which can often be chewy.

Next up is the El Delicioso, which I would describe as shrimp drenched in cheese and grilled in an extra-large corn tortilla. It's like a shrimp quesadilla, but somehow so much better.

After that, I'm not entirely sure. Everything my coworkers ordered looked amazing, but we're not the type of group to pick at each other's food, so I can't personally vouch for the other dishes. However, judging by the expressions on their faces, they were clearly delighted. I believe if you're up for a culinary adventure to Jackson Heights or if you're interested in doing a food tour of Queens, this place is a must-visit. It's simply delicious. One side note: it might be helpful to bring along a Spanish-speaking friend.

The Central Park Boathouse

Central Park

It's 10:45 am, and you've just woken up from an 11-hour slumber after having one too many the night before in Brooklyn because you took “fireball” shots, which were legit just spicy whiskey. (Don't do this; if the bartender says it's not Fireball, it's not Fireball. Me being me said, "Who cares as long as it tastes like Fireball?" I care... I should have cared...). It's sunny, but you really can't just “brunch it out anymore” because you are 23 going on 35, and the sound of alcohol at that hour sounded like death. What do you do? Waste the day away in bed? I say not... you go to Central Park because you are an adult; act like one…

Okay, so you have made it up to “the park,” and the hangover is fading. After you demolished a Black Seed Bagel in Sheep's Meadow, you are thinking, "Ooo, I could go for an Aperol Spritz." Where do you go? The Central Park Boathouse.

This place isn't the number one bar in town, and I wouldn’t sit down and have a meal, BUT the bar is placed overlooking the restaurant and looks out these huge windows over the Central Park lake. It's really a vibe.

Older ladies are enjoying bottles of champagne, young couples are on their first date, groups of friends are giggling over Aperol Spritzes. People were legit happy here, just standing next to a very well-lit and slightly overpriced bar, while enjoying the view of people trying to paddle around the central park lake. Just to conclude, I have my recommendation: do this instead of rotting on your next sunny day.

B Side Pizza

Hell's Kitchen

My brother lives in Columbus Circle, not my favorite part of town, but if you venture a little south into Hell’s Kitchen, you can find some pretty good food and a decent bar scene. Over time, I'll compile a list of favorites from Hell’s Kitchen, but I believe it’s best to start with a NYC classic: Pizza.

B Side Pizza is a cozy pizza bar nestled next to an Italian wine bar at 51st and 9th. It has about 12 high-top tables and bar seating, making it a small space that fills up quickly, especially on Thursdays through Sundays. The place is honestly pretty adorable.

My brother doesn't really get creative with the places he brings me when I venture up to him, creating the situation where I have been to this place multiple times, and tasted the whole menu. My favorites would have to be the Killer Bee: mozzarella, sopressata, and hot honey. The D.F. is also fantastic, essentially meat lovers pizza with a kick. The crusts are light and fluffy, and the sauce-to-cheese ratios are just right. In all reality, I probably could eat a whole pie myself.

Other standout items include the Kale salad, Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe, and the Meatballs. You honestly can't go wrong with anything here because everything is delicious (except for the pastas, it's got pizza in the name, just stick to those plus aps), and the portions allow you to sample multiple dishes.

It’s a perfect spot for spring.... Start with a glass of wine at the wine bar next door, then head to B Side, share a salad and a pizza while sipping an Aperol spritz (or the limoncello margarita if your feeling feisty), and finally, take a leisurely stroll around Hell’s Kitchen, or even up to central park to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Flip Sigi

West Village

I am by no means a California, burrito-loving girly, but that does not mean you should leave me out when it comes to getting breakfast burritos on a Sunday morning. So, I might not be the best person to take burrito advice from, but I do promise I know a good bite, and the Flipsisgi Plan B-Rito is just that.

Flip Sigi is a Filipino-style tacos, burritos, and sandwiches late-night or early-morning spot. It’s located on the tip of the West Village, has picnic tables, plays great music, and you can get a beer at practically any time of the day. There’s really nothing I can say bad about this casual spot.

My favorite time to visit is around 11 am on a Sunday, when you’re just recovered enough to enjoy your meal but still need some hearty food to mop up last night’s indulgences. While there are plenty of tempting items on the menu, you can’t go wrong with the Plan B-rito. It's stuffed with eggs, avocado, cheese, spam (yes spam, hush your mouth, spam is delicious), tater tots, and something they call Longanisa, which is like sausage. They give you a side of salsa and tater tots. It's actually one of my favorite things I have ever put in my hungover mouth.

Pair that with a bodega iced coffee, sit outside to reconnect with nature, and enjoy your 800-calorie burrito because you deserve it.

Laser Wolf

Williamsburg

Group dinners with stunning views are just a classic NYC summer evening. Who doesn't love sipping on overpriced drinks, enjoying breathtaking views, and indulging in delicious food? If this sounds like your kind of evening, then Laser Wolf in Brooklyn is a must-visit spot.

Laser Wolf, originally founded in Philly and now a beloved NYC establishment, serves up delicious Israeli cuisine. Located on the rooftop of the Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, it offers some of the best views of Manhattan. The venue is spacious with loud music, attracting a young crowd brimming with energy. It's sincerely a great spot to visit with your friends

Now, onto the food… It offers a pre-fixed menu where you choose two proteins along with unlimited mezze. However, be cautious not to overindulge in the mezze, as tempting as they may be, because there are other star dishes on the à la carte menu that are non-negotiable.

Let's talk about the wings... Date-Harissa Wings with Tahini Ranch... I have no other words other than they are truly among the best wings you'll find in the city. And then there are the fries. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've never had better fries in my life. They're thick, crispy, perfectly cooked, with a grainy potato texture, served with a Tehina Ketchup. I'm not a fan of ketchup, but I could drink that stuff.

That is all I have to say. Laser Wolf is an amazing spot in the heart of Brooklyn, with some of the best views in the city. I will be going here again, and so should you.

Black Seed Bagel

Multiple locations

I'm a born and raised Missouri girl, so when it comes to breakfast, nothing beats my local diner or those Chick-fil-A chicken minis. But now that I'm a NYC gal, my Sunday morning expectations have shifted to indulging in a bagel, and there's only one spot I'll gladly drop $15 at: Black Seed Bagel.

Walking into this place isn't just about grabbing anything; it's about ordering the supreme bagel sandwich (named by me, don't go walking in and go “can I get a supreme bagel”). 

Picture this: an everything bagel, lightly toasted, with a light smear of hot honey cream cheese, topped with turkey, lettuce, and red onions (sometimes with a tomato). Trust me, this bagel is the ultimate cure for a hangover in NYC. Sure, you might end up with a slight food baby, but who cares when you've just tasted a slice of heaven? Wash it down with an iced coffee (I prefer mine with a splash of skim milk, don't judge i am not always an oatmilk fan), and why stop at one bagel when you can add a BEC on the side? Two bagels are definitely better than one.

Now, let's get one thing straight—I didn't come up with this order myself. I have to give credit to a TikToker who shared this genius idea in a video last summer. So, shout out to you, mystery girl, for introducing me to the best bagel combo ever.

Dirty French

Lower East Side

I am a Major Food Group stan, as I have had wonderful meals at multiple of their restaurants in various cities. Before relocating to NYC, I frequented Dirty French steakhouse in Miami three times, but recently I had the pleasure of eating at their Original location this past week. It did not disappoint.

Kicking off the evening with a Cajun Martini—Tequila and Jalapeno shaken in a chilled glass—was a departure from my usual, but it was undeniably delicious. Our selection of Oysters, Tuna tartare, and deviled eggs was decent, but nothing truly extraordinary. However, the entrees and sides, those, were, good, damn good. We decided to split everything, the Duck, Chicken, and Dover soul with a side of Potatoes and mixed greens.

The highlights were unquestionably the Chicken and potatoes. If given another chance, I would undoubtedly go for the steak frites, but the group's vibe dictated otherwise. The place gave “medieval, meets zoo” (quote from me three martinis in). There are lively vibes, it's pretty NYC casual, meaning jeans and booties are the most acceptable attire, and the average age there is around 30. I think people are over the MFG thing, but I really do love their spots, and Dirty French showed up to play.

Claud

East Village

I would have to say that Claud is my favorite place to go to dinner in New York City. Maybe that is because I lived catty corner to this place for a year, but honestly I think it is the incredible food with a top notch, but short wine list. After walking by the place 50 times, I finally looked the place up to see that it was Co-owned by Joshua Pinsky and Chase Sinzer (two Momofuko vets), so I just had to check it out.

Claud used to be a top reservation to get, but by the time I heard about it the hype has cooled down leaving two reliable ways to dine here: make a reservation two weeks in advance, or risk the walk in – both have worked for me – walk-in best for early and sitting at the bar. Its businesses casual vibe - you could wear jeans, or work attire – but don’t worry about trying too hard, I think one time I came from soul cycle to sit at the bar. 

The menu has changed slightly every time I have gone, so no promises this will all be on the menu but my top dinner items include the red shrimp, whatever fritter they have in season, the half chicken, and the tomato mile.  Everything is fabulous and I have tried everything – even the chicken liver agnolotti– it’s even ** good. The wine ive had are all fabulous – but most of the time I go for the $13 glass of Rimbert ‘Sur La Plage’ (it’s French and light and most importantly the cheapest on the menu). 

Now for the most important things about Claud – 1. There devils food chocolate cake is the best thing I have ever put in my mouth and 2. The wine store next door has Christian who is my favorite wine guy in the world. SO, after you eat a wonderful dinner, get some chocolate cake to go, pick up a bottle of wine from Christian and go have a girls night, finish that date back at your place, have a solo wine and cake night, do something. Because you deserve that extra glass of wine, and you will not want the night to end after having such a wonderful dinner at Claud.

Fini Pizza

Williamsburg

Sometimes I find myself doing the same thing every Sunday, hungover bagel from black seed, possibly a walk in the park (if I am not toooo unwell), and making soup or ordering Indian for dinner. That is why I began planning “Brooklyn Days”.

What is a Brooklyn day? It is basically where we walk around Greenpoint, Dumbo, or Williamsburg and pig out at 4-5 different food spots / bars that we have been recommended or seen online, and my favorite slice I have gotten on a “Brooklyn Day” is at the Williamsburg location of Fini Pizza. 

Fini Pizza has like 6 slices on the menu, and the number one by farrrr, is the White Slice. It is perfectly crispy dough, smothered in Mozzarella, fontina, and drizzled with lemon. For some reason I swear the slice is almost “light”. I could go back and eat this slice on repeat three times a day for a week straight and not be sick of it. Hey, my boyfriend said it was a 8/10, and he liked the pepperoni more. Well screw him because I think that slice is the best in the city. Go plan a Brooklyn day and make sure you hit up Fini pizza (followed by hotel Delmano – best vibes bar in town).

The York

East Village

Friday night at 8pm – one thing I wasn’t craving was a smash burger while squeezed into a skin-tight top, preparing to sing karaoke on a stage. However, I quickly changed my mind when someone showed me the drinks list.

The York is a tiny bar in NYC, known for serving some of the best smash burgers and chicken sandwiches in the city. Behind the bar, a kitchen window is a hub of activity, with burgers, onion rings, and fries flying out. It can only hold about 50 people, and that's pushing it. Drinks took about three minutes, food about 10; aka, things move fast. It's seat yourself, order from the bar, then listen for your name, shut up, and enjoy.

I went for the normal smash burger with all the works, along with fries and onion rings. Everything was delicious; I honestly couldn't pick a favorite thing. Long story short, whether it's a date, with friends, or even alone, The York is a must-try. Enjoy a preferably alcoholic drink and savor the crispy, juicy, surprisingly light smash burger next time you are anywhere near ABC City.

ilili

Midtown East

I am 21 years old and just moved to the city to start my internship - my brother tells me to meet him for dinner and brings me to his favorite Lebanese Spot in midtown. Being the somewhat inflexible person I am, I immediately assumed this place wouldn't be "my vibe" due to the top Yelp review giving it only 2 stars. Turns out, I was wrong, and so was that negative Yelp reviewer – this place is fantastic.

As the ripe legal person I was, I kicked off the evening with a spicy margarita with Mezcal, and to this day, it remains the best margarita I've had in midtown, I will stand by this until I die. He began ordering: Hummus, Baba Ghannouj, Warm Eggplant, Fries, Chicken, Lamb Chops – we went the whole nine yards.

Every dish was simply delicious

I've revisited this place more times than I can count, whether to hang out at the bar and chat with friends over the same spicy margarita or to treat my parents when they come to visit. The place is lively, 10/10 drinks, and it has some really, really good Lebanese food (its Mediterranean don't let this Lebanese word steer you away). 

Carbone

Greenwich Village

Have you truly lived if you haven't experienced Carbone? Just kidding... let's all admit, Carbone is good, but it's not "pay $34 for a small bowl of pasta" good.

To set the scene, I dined with a party of 6, securing a reservation on Dorsia with a $3000 minimum for the table. Luckily, I wasn't the one footing the bill. When you reserve through this app and the restaurant anticipates a minimum of $3000 for the table, they go all out to ensure top-notch service – needless to say, the vibes were great. 

We started with a bottle of Krug Champagne, and finished with a Barbaresco wine. This was partnered with the Carpaccio Piemontese, Tuna Crudo, Zucchini Scapece, some type of salad, Spicy Rigatoni, Branzino, and Veal Parmesan (other dishes were definitely on the table, but those are the ones I recall).

Once you manage to snag that seemingly impossible reservation, I personally recommend three things: Spicy Rig (this is obvious but I can't pretend like it's not fantastic), Tuna Crudo, and Zucchini Scapece. 

Honestly, anything else I personally would pass on in order to not spend a million bucks. The Spicy Rig is genuinely delicious, the Tuna is light yet melts in your mouth like butter, and the Zucchini is simply perfection.

Best of luck securing a reservation, and remember it's not that important that you go in the first place - hit up I Sodi or even go to Carbons sister restaurant parm instead. 

Thursday Kitchen

East Village

Picture this – its 5pm, you are super hungover, and haven't left your apartment in a day. You want some dank ass food, and aim to clock in at least 1000 steps on your health app to salvage some self-esteem. You go to Thursday Kitchen. That was me a few Sundays ago, and boy, did I make a solid choice.

Thursday Kitchen is a Korean Tapas spot in the East Village. Chef Kay Hyun runs the joint (along with her other place Mokyo that’s next door and also apparently bomb), and she nails it. I am NOT telling you what to get but seriously consider the Edamame Dumplings, Lucky noodle, Steak and Popcorn chicken. We threw in the paella and crab because, you know, why not, but you could pass on those. I think 4-5 dishes and you are good. The place is dim lit  – I wore jeans and a white t-shirt (standard NYC fit) but any attire would probably fly.

ALSO IMPORTANT! We went at legit 5:12pm, so there was no wait, but I have heard the place gets packed. Toss your name in and jump over to Goodnight Sonny's, or Lovers of Today while you wait.

If you're down for sharing and craving some Korean eats, this is the spot as it is casual, fast, and just a low key vibe. I mean the waiters wear t-shirts, and it’s an open kitchen who couldn’t immediately love.